Following meetings with the FPC over the autumn, since the centralisation of entry-processing activity in Manchester, HMRC has now changed procedures at Manchester and is putting further unit closures on hold until existing problems are sorted out.
The years-long migration process of entry-processing units to a central hub at Manchester was due to be completed by the end of March 2007. But problems, most notably at Tilbury as a result of migration, have caused a rethink.
“HM Revenue and Customs is not happy with its performance so far,” said an FPC spokesman. “HMRC officials do not believe it is due to understaffing, but rather down to difficulties with systems and organisation. Changes are being made and they expect an immediate effect on the problems experienced so far.”
The Chatham unit, which also covers Sheerness, is now scheduled to migrate next month, not this month as originally set out. “But HMRC will be flexible on this date as it accepts there is no point migrating any more units until the Tilbury problems are sorted out and Manchester staff can deal with the additional work load,” said the spokesman.
The Manchester office will become the National Clearance Hub and will be located in Salford from November 27. HMRC is expecting to take on more staff than originally planned to bring the full complement up to 150 by March 31.
It is already providing 24-hour cover - some three months ahead of schedule - and an additional fax line has been installed before super-fax machines with a capacity for 240,000 go live. However, importers and agents are asked to use e-mail and not to mail zip files.
The e-mail address is northregionepuoperations@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
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